China issues rules on research ethics

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Beijing University has issued its first ever rules on research conduct in an attempt to combat what is seen as a rising tide of questionable behaviour in the scientific community.

The new policy goes beyond the universally accepted sins of plagiarism, fabrication, and falsification of research data to include much broader misuses of scientific information, such as intentionally exaggerating the academic value and economic and social results of a research finding.

The rules, which were three years in the making, also outline procedures for investigating allegations of misconduct and lay out a range of penalties for those found guilty.